Our Locations:

Manahawkin

Forked River

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, particularly at the lid margin where dandruff-like scales can form around the bases of lashes. It is often associated with meibomitis, which is an inflammation of oil glands of the lids located at the edge of the lid. Symptoms include eye/eyelid irritation, redness, itching, burning, and stinging of the eye.

Blepharitis is often chronic, although it can usually be controlled with
the following treatments:

Warm compresses: Take a clean washcloth and run it under warm water (don’t burn yourself!), wring it out, and place it over your closed eyelids for a few minutes. If it cools rapidly, repeat for a total of 4-5 minutes. This will help clean any debris along the lashes and help your natural tears (especially from the oil glands) flow better.

Eyelid scrubs: With your eyes closed, using a clean washcloth, cotton swab, or your clean fingertips and warm water gently scrub the base of your eye lashes for about 15 seconds on each side. You may also use a combination of warm water and mild baby shampoo or over-the-counter lid scrubs especially designed to be gentle and safe for around the eyes. Rinse off with warm water.

Antibiotics: Although blepharitis is not an infection per se, it can be associated with an overgrowth of the normal bacteria that live on our skin. Sometimes either antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage inflammation.

Additional options: Nutritional supplements, artificial tears, or short-courses of topical steroids may also be considered.

Speak with your doctor at Southern Shores Eye Center about what treatment(s)
may be right for you.

Manahawkin

1206 Route 72 West
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
609-597-8087

Forked River

730 Lacey Road, Suite G-07
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-971-8822

Offering general ophthalmology services including evaluation and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and other eye diseases, the doctors at Southern Shores Eye Center serve patients in the Southern Ocean County New Jersey area from our offices in Forked River and Manahawkin. Low vision evaluations, cosmetic services, contact lens services, and an on-site optical shop are also available.